Brookings Bobcat Band sets record

BROOKINGS – The Brookings High School Marching Band performed twice last weekend, making this the earliest in its history that the program has performed a complete field show.

The band premiered its complete program “Numbers” at the Bobcat Homecoming football game last Friday. The very next day, they performed in Class AA competition at the Rosemount High School in Minnesota.

“Due to the weather in this part of the world, marching band season can be very short,” BHS Band Director Ron Stary said. “That’s why the student leadership made it a goal to be ready to perform the entire field show in the September football season. It was a lofty goal, but they made it happen.”

That goal aligned perfectly with the invitation Stary received from Rosemount last spring.

“We were really excited to be invited to the 28th annual Rosemount marching invitational from SDSU alumni and Rosemount band director Leon Sieve,” Stary said. “Rosemount is known for their incredible marching band, so we took it as a real honor.”

Many Bobcat Band members are involved in multiple activities, so there are often conflicts with practices, and sometimes even performances. It took serious dedication and hard work to prepare so early. Stary said they also have excellent support from parents and the Band Boosters organization.

“We have incredible parents working with us, but the kids really make it happen,” Stary said. “They work so hard, and they just keep improving. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The band now prepares for the September 23 Marshall Pursuit of Excellence competition, a favorite regional competition.

Regional band competition heats up in October, starting Oct. 7 at the Sioux Falls Schools Festival of Bands USA. The day begins with a parade at 9 a.m., starting in downtown Sioux Falls. Field preliminaries start at 11 a.m. at Howard Wood Stadium. The public is invited to join the BHS Band Boosters cheering section. Watch for updates on the Brookings Band Facebook page or www.brookingsband.com.